Keys to Keep Our Peace

When the increasingly self-centered nature of humanity continues to call us to war and division, we need strategies to keep our peace — internally and, if possible, externally. Jesus promises a special blessing for those intentional about bringing peace into difficult situations.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Matthew 5:9

The Message Translation offers a more practical application to this verse. It reads, “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.” Competing and fighting with each other has no place in God’s family of believers. Are there things worth fighting for? Absolutely! Do we need to stand our ground on important issues of faith and truth? Beyond a doubt!

Unfortunately, we often major in the minors and minor in the major things of life and faith.

Our condo elected a new board recently. It has only been a month under their leadership. Some things are going well, while they will be working on other areas for quite some time. This week someone became completely irate because there were remnants of a broken potato chip under a table in the common area. Their pointed anger intended to disturb the peace of the community. If the biggest issue with the new board is a broken potato chip, I take that as a compliment to them all.

It becomes all too easy to allow such minor incidents to ruffle us and throw us into a whirl of discord. Or will we stop, pray, and let minor nuances deflect and hopefully fade quietly away?

Peace

Biblically, the word for “peace” comes from the Hebrew word “shalom”, meaning “completeness, soundness, harmony, and well-being.” It also signifies a complete return to balance, justice, and equality. Biblical peace encompasses every aspect of life — spiritual, material, personal, and social. Godly peace cannot be disconnected from His righteousness.

What is impossible in our human capacity to attain, God provided through Jesus Christ. The prophet Isaiah foretold His coming.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6

Going back to the original Hebrew for “Prince of Peace”, we find another discovery. When one Jew greeted another with the word “Shalom,” it meant, “May all that you need for your well-being today come to you this day.”  That’s shalom. This child, Jesus Christ, is the One in charge of all shalom. Jesus desires to become our “well-being authority.” The only way to experience shalom is when we come to Jesus, for He is the One divinely ordained to bestow it.

But, let’s be honest, light and darkness clash. Love and hate never blend. It isn’t unusual to see “feathers ruffled” — our own and those of others. Through Jesus Christ, we find a better way, obtained and maintained in a posture of peace. This posture comes to all those who travel in the footsteps of the Prince of Peace.

Conflict

Two verses come to mind as I contemplate the world’s increasing hatred toward Christians. Early believers experienced the same in their day. Paul encouraged young Christians amid severe persecution under Roman rule with these words,

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:18

Peace, though desired, is NOT always possible. Nonetheless, WE CAN influence the spiritual climate around us, creating peace, both inwardly and outwardly.

The preceding and following verses warn us to guard against “repaying evil for evil” or “taking revenge” — the natural reflexes of our human nature. With two warnings, he also gives us two chosen options for handling difficult people and situations: “be careful to do what is right” and “leave room for God.”

In simpler terms, he calls us to avoid competing and fighting with words or actions. Jesus came as the Prince of Peace — not as a Conqueror, but in humility. He came as a lowly baby in a manger. He took the lowest road to reach the highest goal. Though difficult, we would do well to follow His example.

The second verse, I am reminded of comes from James.

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
James 3:17

Peace-Loving

As peacemakers, godly wisdom will infiltrate the culture around us. Though many would push for peace at any cost, James places peace-loving securely after purity. Without virtue and holiness, only false peace results. Such a counterfeit gives an illusion of unity and harmony while maintaining the undercurrents of pride, hatred, and discord.

All the qualities characterizing wisdom shine through the scope of true peace — being considerate. submissive, merciful, impartial and sincere. These attributes stand in agreement with the Message’s translation of Matthew 5:9 “to cooperate instead of competing or fighting.”

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:27

Not only is Jesus the Prince of Peace, He is the lavish and gracious Giver of all true peace.

Many times, I have contended for peace — especially after a doctor’s grave report, the death of a loved one, broken family relations, financial collapse …

Peace is already ours! Jesus gave it to us. Now, we reach out to receive and fight to defend it. Satan is like a big bully trying to snatch away every good and perfect gift God gives.

We need to know the Scripture,
believe the Scripture, and
stand on the Scripture.

Steps to Keep our Peace

Here are a few practical steps I have found helpful:

• Seek God’s wisdom and direction in every matter (Psalm 32:8).
• When possible, ignore the small stuff. We don’t always know the internal turmoil others are dealing with. Where there is consistent threats and attacks, establish godly boundaries of protection over your peace (1 Timothy 4:12).
• Pray for the peace of God to infiltrate the lives of those around you (Philippians 4:6-7).
• Always choose to forgive both big and small offenses. Unforgiveness allows the enemy access to our hearts and minds which we have already and completely committed and dedicated to Christ (Colossians 3:13).
• As a child of God, hold fast to the peace of God. Stand firm in all that is righteous and just. Your spiritual, physical, mental, and relational well-being depends on it (1 Corinthians 16:13-14).
• Trust God with the outcome. Not every situation will be resolved peacefully, but nothing can steal your peace (Psalm 9:10).

As we consistently choose God’s path, His promise of supernatural peace becomes our portion.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:7

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